There is so much more to do on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day than opening presents.  There's eating and drinking and music and lots and lots of lights.  And did we mention drinking?  There are parties galore throughout the Valley.  And for those of you who don't like a traditional holiday dinner, there will be plenty of Chinese restaurants open.  Surely you've seen A Christmas Story by now.  Just click on any of the headlines for the full lists compiled by Phoenix New Times staff members.

12 Chinese Restaurants That Are Open on Christmas Day
Many believe in the sanctity of the eating of Chinese food on December 25, and what may have started as a Jewish tradition has now grown to become a widespread ritual even among those who celebrate the Christmas holiday. Because really, what's better than a second dinner of Peking duck and fried rice after a day of eating, drinking, and trying not to kill your family. Whether you're celebrating Christmas, here are a dozen metro Phoenix Chinese restaurants open on Christmas Day.


11 Places for Christmas Eve and Day Dining in the PHX
There’s no shame in enjoying a Christmas dinner at one of the Valley’s upscale eateries. Hotel restaurants especially want nothing more than for you to ditch the kitchen and spend Christmas Eve, Christmas Day — or both — choosing from their prix-fixe menu or piling it on at the buffet. Here are 11 restaurants in the Valley offering Christmas Eve and day dining in metro Phoenix.

25 Places to Party on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in the PHX
You’ve tackled the gifts, dealt with your family, and had more than your fair share of yuletide nonsense. Now what? You might consider getting out of the house for a few hours, either to escape or just stretch your legs, and head to one of the many bars, nightspots, or drinkeries that will be open on both Christmas Eve or Christmas night.

6 Places With Holiday To-Go Options in the PHX
Not much sounds better than someone offering to take care of the cooking for you during a major holiday. Thanks to the many good-hearted eateries around the Valley, you can leave grocery shopping, cooking, and leftover allocations off your to-do list. Here are six restaurants offering pick-up and to-go catering, desserts, and entire reheatable meals — even a vegan option — in metro Phoenix.

The 25 Best Holiday Light Displays in the PHX
From Thanksgiving night up until New Year’s Day, arrays of glowing bulbs will be popping up around the metro Phoenix area as everyone gets into the spirit of the season. You can see them pretty much anywhere and everywhere, from those adorning local businesses in your neighborhood to popular locations like the Phoenix Zoo.  Here's the ones we think are the most dazzling.

A Quick Guide to Holiday Cocktails in the PHX
The holidays are a time to indulge — and yes, cocktails count. Christmas cocktails are a fun way for bartenders and mixologists to underscore seasonal ingredients and for patrons to sip away in the glow of the bar area’s holiday décor. From peppermint martinis to Ugly Sweater Punch, here’s where to find your yuletide libations this month.

9 Valley Bands Reveal Their Favorite Holiday Jams
Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or Festivus, winter is a time for merriment (with booze, of course). Aside from overeating and growing discontentment over your weird uncle’s iffy politics, there’s one larger thread of celebratory commonality: music. So, in the spirit of the season, we’ve asked several Valley bands to share their underrated favorites. Those heartfelt carols and yuletide jams beyond the season’s barrage of “Blue Christmas” or “Let it Snow!” No matter what you celebrate, you’ll have something to drown out Aunt Barb.